December 13, 2004

Bishop says priest admits sexual misconduct, resigns

HARRISONBURG (VA)
WAVY

HARRISONBURG, Va. The pastor of Harrisonburg's only Catholic church has resigned after admitting sexual misconduct with an adult woman.

That according to an announcement today by the Diocese of Richmond.

Father Jim Gallagher has been a priest for 17 years. He arrived at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in June 2003 after serving seven years in a Petersburg chruch.

Bishop Francis X- DiLorenzo is head of the Richmond Diocese. He broke the news to parishoners before celebrating Mass today. The bishop says the diocese has temporarily suspended Gallagher pending an investigation.

Posted by kshaw at December 13, 2004 06:13 AM